From State Rep. Dan Flynn District 2
Having just returned as part of the National Conference of State Legislators delegation on an Israeli Study Tour I feel I have a better understanding of the challenges facing their country and the need for the United States of America to continue our policy of long term unconditional support. Our delegation met with many high ranking officials of the Israeli Government and was honored to have opportunities to have in depth discussions and briefings with them.
We spent time with Senior Advisors to the Prime Minister and they gave us an overview of the relationship between their neighbors and other countries of the World as well as the United States.
The first thing I noticed upon traveling to Israel was the seeming absence of the strong military presence I had observed on my first visit. They said Israel continues to maintain their strong military but have put a stronger emphasis on gathering intelligence from their enemies.
This was a common response as we met with members of their Security Defense and Political Ministries.
I was very interested in their approach to the challenge of tracking illegals into their country since we face the same challenge on our Southern Border. It was a verification to me that a fence is the not the answer but a necessary part of securing their border.
Along with surveillance cameras drones electronics intelligence and troops a fence in key locations has allowed them to manage successfully as much as a 90 reduction of terrorist crossing into their country. The commitment from the central government for a strong secure border with purpose to stop those coming into their county illegally appears to be a strong deterrent.
Our discussions with Supreme Court retired members and clerks provided a very interesting difference in their system as compared to the United States. It was worthy of note they retire at age 70 but in some cases continue to provide council to the court.
Not only did we visit with government officials we were able to spend time visiting many of the Holy Shrines. The strong sense of their Heritage is expressed in their Faith in God strong family and national honor that you are continually aware of.
Their leaders are very much aware of the significance to the Judeo Christian Beliefs of our founding fathers and are most respectfully of the deep beliefs of the majority of Americans from not only our faith but our political prospective.
After spending time with our closest and strongest allies I gained a new appreciation and respect of how important it is from a global perspective we maintain this close tie for both Israel and the United States. Before traveling to Israel it was expressed several times by the US State Department and Israeli officials how we are the closest friends.
Overall this visit was one that will provide me with a better understanding of our close allies and has given me a better insight in not only how we can do a better job on our borders but also made me aware of the global terrorism that is spreading all over the world and making strong headway right here in our country and moving into South America establishing cells to infiltrate our business banks our schools and our universities with our youth being the biggest target.
Israel is a bit like watching the Texas Legislature during session. To the casual observer or the uninformed visitor they only see the confusion conversions and the scurrying around with no one seemingly paying attention or listening to the speakers. When in actuality the Israelis like our members already know what is being said and have decided on their position and have already moved on and are working on the next issue or next phase of the issue.
While never hearing a negative comment towards our current administration I could not help but pick up the feeling they believe in Trust but Verify in all their relationships.
It is my pleasure and honor to represent all the people of House District 2. My staff and I continue to welcome your input and your questions.
